Friday, July 25, 2008

Eagle Wings

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

I’ve been battling some health issues and personal struggles recently that often leave me feeling weak and weary. At times depression creeps in, hovering over me like a dark cloud. Feelings of hopelessness seem to besiege me, taking me captive in the dark pit of despair and the agony of worry. Rather than a soaring eagle, I often feel like a helpless bird, desperately flapping its wings in a frantic attempt to fly.

God’s word says if we wait upon Him our strength will be renewed. We will soar on wings like an eagle. I’ve found comfort in these words, but wondered what does it really mean to wait upon the Lord? What is the significance of soaring on wings like an eagle? Why the eagle imagery?

The eagle has superior aerial skills and has been seen as a symbol of strength and courage since ancient times. An eagle’s wingspan can reach up to eight feet across. Its feathers are designed to reduce turbulence. When its wings catch a thermal wind, it can soar for significant distances with minimal movement, making it possible for the eagle to conserve precious energy. Eagles don’t flap their wings frantically to stay aloft. Unlike other birds, they fly high above the lowlands making use of the wind currents to gain height almost effortlessly.

If we trust in our own strength, we will be like a helpless bird flapping its wings furiously; zapping our strength and resulting in weariness, depression, and despair. If we trust in the Lord we will soar on wings as a eagle. It doesn’t require great effort to soar like an eagle! God’s word tells us we simply must wait upon Him. To wait upon Him means keeping our thoughts and focus on Him in expectant anticipation of things to come. Our mind is fixed on Him and eternity rather than on our everyday problems. When we depend on the Lord’s strength, we can fly above the turbulence, rising above the challenges and difficulties of everyday life.




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